Luke Bible Study 6: Power, Doubt and Proof

I. Background Information

Read the story of John the Baptist (Luke 3:18-20)

II. Look at the Text (Luke 7:11-23)

Luke 7:11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out — the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. 18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

III. Label the Text

• Underline the verb phrases in v 13-15 that tell what Jesus did.
• Highlight John’s question in v 19.
• Highlight the things Jesus wants John to hear about in v 22.
• Mark anything else that seems interesting or important in the passage. Write your questions or thoughts in the margins or the text.

IV. Reflect on the Text

The passage begins with a dramatic story. Two large crowds meet at the town gate and Jesus raises the boy to life. Imagine you are the mother - what are you thinking/feeling as Jesus touches the coffin - or as your son sits up?

Imagine you are in the crowd - what do you learn about Jesus?

Why do you think John asked Jesus the question in v 19?

What does Jesus expect John to think/realize after hearing what Jesus has done?

V. Personal Application

We all have times of doubt, even after becoming followers of Jesus. When do you find yourself doubting or unsure that Jesus is the Savior – or unsure that He loves you...or that God exists...?

What has convinced you to believe or restored your faith when you had doubts?